How to set up a new Xiaomi Redmi phone: a complete guide for beginners

You just unpacked the new Xiaomi Redmi and want to get to use it as quickly as possible?The first setup of your smartphone is not just a formality, but an important step that determines the convenience of working with the device in the future. From correctly activating your Mi Account to optimal battery settings, each step affects the performance, security and even the life of the gadget.

In this article, we'll take a look at the setup process from scratch, avoiding the typical bugs, and you'll learn how to log in correctly, what are the settings? MIUI You should change it right after you turn it on, and you should protect your data, and you should also get exclusive optimization tips that you won't find in the standard manual.

Preparation for first inclusion

Before you press the power button, make sure you have everything you need on hand, which will save time and eliminate unnecessary manipulation during the setup.

First, check the completeness: in the box with Redmi should be the smartphone, cable USB-C (Or Micro-USB for older models, power adapter and maybe a cover or film. If something's missing, check with the store before you turn on the device to keep your warranty up.

• 🔋 Charging: Connect your phone to the charger for 10-15 minutes, even if the battery is not completely discharged.This will prevent a sudden shutdown during settings.
• 📶 SIM-map: Install nano-SIM in the tray (use a clip from the kit). SIM or microSD slot, check the correct location.
• 🌐 Wi-Fi: Know your network name and password in advance - without the Internet, Mi Account activation is impossible.

⚠️ Note: If you are transferring data from an old phone, do not connect it to the new Redmi via cable until the initial setup is complete.

On models Redmi Note 12 and newer trays for SIM-cards are combined with a cooling system - do not make excessive efforts during installation, so as not to damage the heat pad.

First Including and Choosing Language

Press and hold the power button (usually on the right side) until the Redmi logo appears.The first turn on can take up to 30 seconds - this is normal, since the system performs a preliminary diagnosis.

Once you download, you'll see a welcome screen that tells you to choose a language.

• 🇷🇺 Russian: Select "Russian (Russia)" for correct display of date, time and local services.
• 🌍 Region: Specify Russia – this affects the available applications in the Mi App Store and the operation of some system functions.
• ⚙️ Additional: Click on the three dots in the upper right corner to enable Show System Applications – this will make it easier to set up further.

If you see an offer to connect to Xiaomi’s network for accelerated setup, skip this step. Such networks are often unstable and can interrupt the activation process.

Creating or Logining to a Mi Account

Mi Account is not just a data sync account, but also the key to Xiaomi’s full functionality.

• 🔄 Update firmware over the air (OTA)
• 🔒 Use the Find Device function (phone search)
• ☁️ Synchronize contacts, notes and photos
• 🛡️ Activate additional levels of protection

If you already have an account (such as from a previous Xiaomi smartphone), select Log in and type in email/phone + Password. For new users:

1. Click "Create an account."
2. Please specify the current email (preferably not Mail.ru due to confirmation issues).
3. Create a password that is at least 8 characters long with numbers and letters.
4. Confirm the email by the link in the letter (check the Spam folder).
5. Add a backup phone to restore access.

⚠️ Note: Do not use Mi Account password for other services. In 2023, there were cases of hacking Xiaomi accounts through data leaks from third-party applications.

Once you have successfully logged in, the system will suggest backing up. We recommend that you only activate contact sync and notes - photos are better uploaded to Google Photos or Yandex Drive for reliability.

Is backup email tied?|Is two-factor authentication enabled?|Are contacts synchronized?|Are there no notifications of login errors-->

Configuring the main parameters of the system

Now that the phone is activated, it’s time to optimize. MIUI So let's start with the key parameters that affect productivity and convenience.

Go to Settings. → Display:

• 🌓 Dark topic: Turn it on to save charge (on the AMOLED-screens) and reduce eye strain.
• 🔍 Font size: Set 100-110 percent for comfortable reading.
• 🎨 Color scheme: Choose "Saturated" for bright colors or "Standard" for natural shades.
• ⚡ Update frequency: On models with support 90 Hz/120 Hz enable high frequency for smooth animations.

Next, open the Settings → Sound and vibration:

• 🔔 Sound Profile: Select "Silent" or "No Sound" for public areas.
• 🎵 Alarm melody: Set a gradually increasing sound to wake up softer.
• 📳 Vibration when touching: Turn off - this saves charge and reduces wear of the vibrator motor.

For advanced users: in Settings → Special features activate Gestures to go back and Scrolling screen with double touch – these features make navigation with one hand easier.

💡

After the update MIUI missing app icons on the desktop, make a long press on the free screen →"Home screen settings" →"Reset the layout".

Optimizing battery and performance

The life of the Redmi battery depends not only on the capacity, but also on the right settings.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Balanced (for most users) or Energy Saving (if you need to extend autonomy).
3. Activate Adaptive Charging – this slows down the wear of the battery during a long connection to charging.

To extend the battery life:

• 🔌 Do not leave your phone on charge for more than 12 hours in a row.
• 📉 Avoid a discharge below 10% – it is better to recharge at 20-30%.
• ☀️ Do not use your phone at temperatures below 0.°C or higher than 35°C.

To speed up the system:

• 🧹 B Settings → Annexes → Clean up turn on Autoclean to remove cache once a week.
• 🚀 B Settings → Additionally. → Overclocking (available on some models) activate GPU Turbo to improve graphics in games.
• 📦 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A) Disabling Ultra Battery Saver can lead to unstable operation GPS. Check this in the location settings after changing the battery settings.

Installation of necessary applications and security

Even if you don't plan on installing a lot of software, a few basic applications will make Redmi more comfortable.

1. Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web Light or Kaspersky Mobile) and run a full check.
2. B Settings → Passwords and security enable Blocking apps for instant messengers and banking programs.
3. Activate Google Play Protect in Google Play settings to scan the apps you install.

The list of applications (must-have) for Redmi:

• 📱 Lawnchair 2 – alternative launcher with gesture support.
• 🔒 Authy or Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication.
• 📁 Files by Google – a convenient file manager with garbage cleaning.
• 🎵 Poweramp is the best player for local music.

To install apps outside of Google Play (for example, APK-file):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
2. Select the browser or file manager through which you will install the APK.
3. Enable the installation permit.

⚠️ Note: Redmi models for the Chinese market (with China firmware) ROM) Installation of Google Play Services may lead to conflicts with system services.

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Never disable the system application Security - this will lead to failures in the work. MIUI and vulnerabilities in protection.

Personalization and chips MIUI

MIUI It offers a lot of customization options that many people don't know about. Here are some tricks to make your Redmi unique:

Themes and wallpaper:

• 🎨 Download themes from the official store (Themes) → Online free themes are updated weekly.
• 🖼️ For live wallpapers, use the WallpapersCraft app – it is optimized for MIUI.
• 🔄 Enable Wallpaper Automan in the lock screen settings (available on MIUI 14+).

Gestures and controls:

• 👆 B Settings → Additionally. → Gestures set up swipe up to call Google Assistant or camera.
• 🔄 Activate Double Touch to Wake Up – Comfortable with the phone lying on the table.
• 🎮 For gamers: in Settings → Special facilities → Play mode: Enable gesture and notification blocking during play.

Hidden functions:

• 📡 Network Amplifier: Enter ##4636## in the dialer, select Phone Information" →"Select the type of network" → LTE only for stable 4G.
• 🔊 Volume Monitor: In Settings → Turn on the high volume warning to avoid damaging the speakers.
• 📱 Application cloning: C Settings → Annexes → Create a second account for messengers (for example, two WhatsApp).

For lovers of experiments: in MIUI 14, Super Wallpapers, animated wallpapers that respond to the time of day, was introduced:

1. Download the official Super Wallpapers app from the Mi App Store.
2. Select the wallpaper "Earth" or "Mars" in the screen settings.
3. Set the animation refresh rate to "Every hour".

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Xiaomi Redmi